Ever wonder where all that bubble economy money disappeared? Well, you
can be sure that a big chunk of it went into automotive toys for the big
boys of Japanese business. The impressive Hata museum is a prime example.

1912 Fetone is the only one in Japan.

It was built in 1989 by businessman Kazuyasu Hata and features around 100
vintage and classic cars housed in a large corporate-gray monument to the
era when greed was good.
Surprisingly, with such an extensive collection, the museum is located in
an unremarkable suburban location, a few minutes walk from Omiya station.
Far from being just a car museum, "Old Loco" is part of "Hata
Plaza," which includes a movie theater, bowling alley, game arcade,
pool hall and restaurant. A museum shop offers souvenirs and model cars.
The museum itself is divided into three sections, including a lobby area
where you can race slot cars for ¥800. Two large display areas house
the vehicles, which are mostly grouped according to their country of origin.

1948 Delahaye 135M
looks like a shark about to pounce.

Cars for every taste
The first hall contains 14 cars in total, although that number depends
on whether you count the large array of pedal and electric toy cars lining
the semicircular glass tile wall on one side. The most striking vehicle
you encounter upon entering is a bright red 1957 Mercedes Gullwing coupe,
matched only by the phallic glory of a 1974 E-type Jaguar parked nearby,
an interesting contrast to Jaguar's 1960s vintage E-types in the second
room. An inspection of the other cars in this area shows the breadth of
Hata's tastes. A diminutive 1955 BMW Isetta "bubble car" shares
space with the square-rigged excess of a "70s Cadillac. A 1964 Morgan
Plus 4, '83 Lancia Rally Stradale, '49 Willis Jeepster and stately 1966
Jaguar Mark X round off an eclectic selection.
The second, larger display area contains a more spectacular array of four-wheeled
beasts, including many rarities. Most are in concourse condition, or at
least appear to be with the low lighting conditions. Once again, the variety
of vehicles displayed continues to make the collection distinctive, and
as you walk around, the exhibits seem to oscillate between the sublime
and the ridiculous. The svelte 1937 Cord 812 is a well-known symbol of
early streamlining, distinct from the minimalist Moke and other economy
models of yore, including a 1954 Goggomobil. Mercedes Benz is well represented,
including a 1912 Fetone, the only one in Japan. The highlight of the small
American section is that symbol of '50s occidental excess, the 1959 Cadillac
convertible.

Exhibition highlight
The who's who of vintage exotica continues relentlessly, including several
Italian makes. A stylish 1965 Lancia Flamina sits next to the similarly
styled 1966 Maserati 3500 GTIS Sebring. With bold white lettering on its
tires, the Fiat Dino Spider is remarkably reminiscent of American muscle
cars of the same era. The highlight of a row of Alfas is the rakish 1965
Giulia Sprint Specialle. There's even a lone 1970 Dino Ferrari. And what
self-respecting okane-mochi car collector would be without at least a
couple of Bugattis? Hata has four of 'em. While the Bugatti brand is enough
to excite any classic auto otaku, at this museum it's overshadowed by
two French Delahaye vehicles. The stunning 1948 135M model is believed
to be the only remaining example in the world. Its front looks like a
shark about to pounce, while the rest of the body panels have been sculpted
into perhaps the most shapely curves ever seen on a car. Inside, it's
the lap of leather luxury, complemented by the obligatory wooden dash.
It's truly the star of this collection.

The best of British
Despite the variety on offer, it's easy to determine Hata's bias. Britain
is definitely most dear to his heart. At the top end, there are some stately
Rolls Royces and Bentleys, complemented by a row of MGs, Aston Martins
and vehicles from Lotus. A 1959 AC Ace predates the more famous muscle-bound
Cobra. One of the most noteworthy Brits is a 1951 MG TD, featured in that
Japanese favorite, Roman Holiday. A gorgeously sleek 1963 E-type Jaguar,
meanwhile, is from another Audrey flick, How to Steal a Million. While
its styling represents the pinnacle of sleek modernism, the oversized
steering wheel, nose-heavy handling and narrow tires must have made the
realities of ownership a bit harder to put up with, a comment that would
probably apply to most of the cars on display.
Foreigners will find it difficult to find out interesting tidbits about
the cars, since no English language material is available. Automotive
pedants should also be on their guard against a number of spelling errors,
caused by the translation from katakana pronunciation of certain car names.
Apart from that, this place is Saitama's must-see motoring Mecca.

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The new Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, Italy's answer to the sedans of Stuttgart and Bavaria445: Finish line
Formula One arrives in Japan next weekend, and Tokyoites have a chance to check
out the action443: A la kart
Carlo Niederberger whizzes around the track for a weekend of unlicensed thrills
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Daihatsu's first foray into the two-seater sports car market-the Copen 439: Biker babes
Justin Gardiner finds that Japan's bike manufacturers are getting in touch with
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Paul Thompson recounts the tale of one man's passion for the three wheeled anachronisms
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The term "Race Queen" describes the long-legged models posing at the
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What makes an object a work of art? Can a machine be truly beautiful?429: The X-files
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the working women427: Combinations unlocked
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for some serious sunning417: Batteries included
With the unveiling of its electric Q-Car range, Takara Co. zooms from the world
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Honda's new Mobilio is the perfect people mover 413: Small talk
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Affordable Mercedes is no longer an oxymoron407: Autopia in Omiya
Tycoon Hata's incredible collection classic cars405: A Car for All Seasons
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